Bail hearing pushed back for accused in $2.6M drug bust

Once again, an accused Chatham drug kingpin will have to wait a little longer to find out if he will make bail.

Jonathan Toornstra appeared via video for a bail hearing on Wednesday morning, but the proceedings were pushed to May 23, 2019.

Toornstra is facing 18 charges after police seized $2.6 million worth of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, hydromorphone, GHB, ecstasy, morphine, and fentanyl during a drug bust on April 10, 2019 at an apartment in Chatham. During the raid officers also seized a handgun, ammunition, a digital scale, packaging materials, and $52,000 in Canadian cash.

Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn called it the largest drug bust to happen in Chatham-Kent’s history.

The 35-year-old’s bail hearing has been pushed back multiple times so far. He has appeared in court several times on the matter including April 18 and April 26.

During Wednesday’s court hearing, defence lawyer David Jacklin said pushing the hearing to May 23 would put him in a better position to review the case.